If Video Games are Changing Medicine for the Better
If you’re like me, and you grew up in a house where your mom refused to let you get a video game console because she believed sitting and staring at a TV was bad for you, you might think of video games as antithetical to health. There is research revealing that excessive gaming can harm your physical and mental well-being; it’s hard to argue that eight hours of “Call of Duty” every day is beneficial.
However, the outdated view of video games as mere brain rot is in need of reevaluation. Surprisingly, even non-educational games can enhance brain function, especially when played in moderation. More importantly, the gaming industry has evolved dramatically over the years. With advances in technology, we can immerse ourselves in hyper-realistic virtual realities or utilize AI to develop personalized gaming experiences. These advancements have sparked innovative ideas from ambitious physicians and game developers, concepts that could sound like science fiction to those who remember the 90s.
Emerging evidence suggests that these platforms can be instrumental in promoting health. Here, we explore two significant ways in which video games are poised to revolutionize medicine—one being a potential alternative to sedation in pediatric care.
Video Games: A New Hope for Pediatric Care
My view on video games in a medical context started shifting when I discovered their potential in alleviating the need for anesthesia in children. Traditionally, doctors have limited options for managing pain and anxiety for pediatric patients who require imaging or minor surgeries. For instance, an MRI is only effective if the patient remains completely still—an increasingly daunting challenge with children.
Consequently, general anesthesia has been frequently administered for routine MRIs or minor operations, despite the associated health risks. The FDA warns against prolonged or frequent exposure to general anesthesia for children aged three and under due to potential impacts on brain development and learning capabilities. Even older children can experience developmental risks, making it essential to seek alternatives.
This is where virtual reality (VR) games come into play. “Games and VR can be especially effective for reducing pain and anxiety during pediatric procedures,” says Dr. Kimberly Hieftje, co-director and co-founder of XR Pediatrics. “If we can help a child get through a procedure comfortably without sedation, that’s a significant benefit,” she adds, highlighting the necessity for minimizing exposure to anesthesia.
Preliminary studies have demonstrated promising outcomes using VR as an alternative to anesthesia. For example, a 2024 experiment involved over 100 children who wore mobile VR headsets during minor procedures and played calming games like “Pebbles the Penguin.” Remarkably, none of the kids required general anesthesia or additional sedation and reported pain levels comparable to patients who did receive anesthesia, all while enjoying a shorter recovery time.
A young patient in Germany wears a VR headset to distract himself during a medical examination. Daniel Löb/picture alliance via Getty Images
This innovative approach recognizes an essential truth: children are not miniature adults. They find it harder to remain still and often feel anxious during medical procedures. Video games can serve a dual purpose: calming children down or, in certain cases, motivating them to be more active. Recognizing that children sometimes struggle to follow directions or need an incentive to exercise, researchers at Yale developed a VR game aimed at coaching adolescents with Type 1 diabetes through their exercise regimens.
In a small study, 17 adolescents participated in the program and showed significant motivation, ultimately leading to a notable decrease in their blood sugar levels. The researchers hope to validate these findings in larger-scale studies.
The applications of this technology don’t stop there. Hieftje explains that their initiatives tackle a range of issues, from substance use and human trafficking to mental health and grief support.
Video Games as Catalysts for Scientific Progress
Massively multiplayer online games are not just fueling entertainment; they are also becoming platforms for scientific contributions. Attila Szantner, CEO of Massively Multiplayer Online Science, has harnessed the capabilities of these platforms to integrate essential but tedious research tasks into popular games.
Imagine playing “Borderlands 3” while unknowingly aiding in scientific research. In a demo at the Aspen Ideas: Health summit, Szantner showcased how players helped sequence DNA samples while sorting colorful tiles—a task that would traditionally require specialized training.
“Games are the absolute masters of engagement,” Szantner notes. “They’ve found the magic formula to make repetitive tasks exciting.” A recent study in “Nature Biotechnology” involved over 4 million citizens who completed more than 135 million science puzzles, leading to remarkably efficient sequencing of human microbiome data.
We are only beginning to explore the potential of gaming in healthcare. Clinicians are optimistic that video games can help preserve cognitive health in aging populations and may even assist in revolutionizing trauma care or PTSD treatment. Initiatives like EndeavorRx—the first video game approved by the FDA for ADHD treatment—demonstrate the incredible possibilities lying ahead.
Ultimately, the stereotype of video games as harmful is rapidly becoming obsolete. Instead, we stand on the brink of harnessing gaming to foster a healthier society. Who knows? Perhaps our favorite pastime can become a cornerstone of wellness.
For more insights on this evolving subject, check out the full article Here.
Image Credit: www.vox.com
